Episode Summary

After a daring escape from East Germany where he gets rescued, and in the process saves a fellow operative with a quick mechanical fix, MacGyver thinks that he deserves some peaceful vacation time. But Pete lures him into baby-sitting a defector who can identify Russian agents.

A droopy lull in the middle keeps a good episode from becoming great.

After a preposterously exciting opening act with MacGyver hanging from the hood of a speeding car (yet still able to perform intensive car repairs that require both hands) in East Germany, there was a lengthy expanse of plot development that plodded on a bit too long, at least by this series' standards. It wasn't until the preacher started shooting people at the episode's halfway point until this series heated up again. The ultimate revelation that Craig Bannister's wife was a Communist mole brainwashing him to turn over classified DXS operation was nicely done, save for the fact that "Ingrid" was played by a horrible actress. Also distracting in this episode was the complete lack of chemistry between MacGyver and female protagonist Victoria, the Soviet defector, who was supposed to represent a romantic interest for Mac. The MacGyverism that wrapped things up, reviving Bannister with makeshift defibrillators jerry-rigged with candlestick holders, was solid, but this episode doesn't stand out as one of the most successful efforts of the first season.moreless

MacGyver is in the middle of moving house and Pete would like him to protect a Russian defector, Mac doesn't want any part of it. Mac's friend's wife is the mole and influences him to kill Mac and the Russian defector as they know too much...moreless

I personally think this episode is pretty average, the ending is very weak and rushed in my opinion.

The opening gambit had some action, with some good stunts as MacGyver fixes a car while it's driving - no brakes!. A bullet hits the brakeline and fluid is rushing out, MacGyver suggests that he can pump some of the power steering fluid in the brake cylinder - viola, we have brakes.MacGyver's quick thinking was also good as he grabs two metal candlestick holders and wraps some microphone wire around them, also cutting some rubber matting to not get himself electricuted. He jump starts his friends heart - brilliant.Overall, the storyline was pretty average and thought it was a little rushed.moreless

Victoria: You saved my life. The Chinese say if someone saves your life, you are in debt to them forever.MacGyver: Strange folk, the Chinese. They also call their beautiful children ugly for fear the gods will punish them for the sin of pride.

MacGyver: What is it?Ed: I'll probably be able to tell you that tomorrow - unless you're in a rush.MacGyver: I'm in a rush.Ed: You're always in a rush. You realize that this is bending the regulations just a little.MacGyver: Ed, who rebuilt your sound system?Ed: Ah, you have a point. You also have a sample.

(Bannister and Mac are watching Ed perform an autopsy.)Bannister: You have to make jokes?Ed: What do you expect? Tap dance? (to Mac) Who's your sensitive flower?MacGyver: Ed, you've been down here too long.

MacGyver: When you think about it, I take on a lot of jobs nobody else'd want. The question is, why do I want 'em? I find myself asking these questions more and more, and rationalizing answers with stuff like flexible hours, nice scenery, all expense paid vacations in colorful eastern European luxury resorts. But the bottom line is, I like it. I actually like getting into stuff that makes the old adrenalin pump. And I get to meet some... interesting people who've made some interesting career choices themselves.

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